🏈 Who REALLY Gets to Name a Team?

It’s just a name, right?

But when it comes to football, identity, and history — names carry powerful meaning. And now, one of the NFL’s most controversial team names is back in the spotlight.

In this episode of The Curious Professors, we’re tackling a tough question:Should the Washington Commanders bring back the name “Redskins”? Let’s dive into the story behind the name, the people involved, and why it matters far beyond the football field.

🧠 What’s Going On?

The Washington Commanders weren’t always called the Commanders. For decades, they were known as the Washington Redskins — a name that sparked pride in some fans and deep hurt in many Native American communities. Critics said the name was offensive and based on a racial slur. Supporters said it was about honoring tradition.

In 2020, after nationwide protests and sponsor pressure, the team dropped the name. They briefly became the Washington Football Team and then chose a new permanent name: the Commanders. But in 2025, things changed again.

🗳 Trump Weighs In

In July 2025, during a campaign rally, Donald Trump said something that made headlines:

“We’re going to bring back the name Redskins.”

He called it a symbol of strength and tradition — and promised to help the team reclaim it.

This wasn’t the first time the name sparked national debate. But this time, it came from the top of the political world — right as Washington leaders were discussing plans for a brand-new stadium on historic RFK land.

🏟 Stadium, Name, and Power

Here’s where it gets complicated. The Commanders want to build a new stadium near where they used to play — on land once controlled by the federal government. But earlier this year, President Biden signed a law giving Washington, D.C. the rights to the land for the next 99 years.

Now, it’s up to the city — not the federal government — to approve any stadium plans.

So why does the name debate matter? Because leaders in D.C. could refuse to build the stadium if the team reverts to a name they believe is offensive. In other words, the name could shape where the Commanders play… or even if they get a stadium at all.

🤔 What Do Native Americans Say?

This is about more than sports. It’s about people.Many Native American leaders and organizations have spoken out against the name “Redskins” for years. They say it reduces Native identities to mascots and insults the real history of Indigenous people in the U.S.

Others, including some individual Native fans, have said they don’t find the name offensive — and even see it as a symbol of strength. But major Native advocacy groups have called for the name to stay retired.

🌍 What’s in a Name?

This debate raises big questions for all of us:

• Who decides what’s respectful?

• Should traditions change over time?

• Can a name hurt — even if it wasn’t meant to?

The team’s new owners are staying quiet for now. But fans, activists, and politicians are all speaking up. No matter what happens next, this conversation reminds us that names matter — and they carry history, meaning, and emotion with them.

🎧 Want More?

This blog post is based on our podcast episode:🎙 Should the Redskins Name Come Back?, featuring Professor Punzworth, Professor Sagewell, Sunny Crisp, and Archivist Alex. Together, they explore the name’s history, the legal land battle in D.C., and why this football debate touches on much bigger ideas — from politics to identity.

🏈 Redskins Name Fast Facts

📜 The team was called the Redskins from 1933 to 2019

🔁 In 2022, the franchise became the Washington Commanders

📣 In July 2025, Donald Trump urged the team to bring the old name back

🌆 The team wants to build a new stadium on the old RFK Stadium site

🧑‍⚖️ Many Native American groups strongly oppose reviving the name

💬 Discussion Question

Do you think sports teams should ever bring back controversial names from the past?Why or why not?